Be Standout People

Daniel 11:30-32

Occasionally you will read or hear about an ordinary person who does some extraordinary things. They are highlighted on the evening news or written up in a magazine because of this great thing that they accomplished. It isn't that the people changed and became someone different, they just did some amazing things that caused folks to take notice.

Tonight, I want us to consider another group of people who did some great things; and what God had to say about them.

Read: Daniel 11:30-32

Daniel's prophecy in chapter 11 speaks of the rule of the Gentiles over Israel which was to continue. These events came to pass just as Daniel had foretold. In v30 we have in view Antiochus Epiphanes, a wicked ruler who was a type of the anti-christ which will come. He had returned from an attack against Egypt which was thwarted by the Roman armies. In his anger he took out his frustrations against the nation of Israel. He tried to compel the Jews to forsake the worship of God and replace it with the worship of the Greek god Zeus.

Some were persuaded, but there was a believing remnant of God's people who refused. As a result they were martyred. I want to draw your attention to the last phrase in v32. "...but the people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits."

Tonight I would like to use this phrase as a challenge to each of us. A challenge to be outstanding believers! To rise above the circumstances and to do exploits!

I. Consider their Relationship: They know God.

II. Consider also their Character: They were Strong.

III. Consider also their Action: Exploits.

Do you know God tonight? What about our strength?